TURA, Dec 7: In a bid to encourage the preservation of fish sanctuaries and to help different varieties of Mahseer thrive in the region, the Mandal Wari Fish Sanctuary along the Ganol River at Ganol A’pal near Tura was inaugurated on Monday by North Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma.
Speaking during the function organised by the Fishery department, Thomas lauded the efforts of the department for transforming the stretch of Ganol River to a fish sanctuary so as to safeguard various kinds of locally available fish in the region.
He suggested of preserving fishes in running water should be popularised to attract tourists and promote eco-tourism in the area.
Informing that there are about six varieties of Mahseer found in the region which are unable to thrive due to overfishing, Thomas said both the water body and its aquatic species would be protected with the help of the fish sanctuary.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, who also attended the programme, said there are about 159 species of fish in the state which, if not preserved, will become extinct.
He said that for this reason, the government has taken the initiative to encourage people to conserve more fish sanctuaries in the region.
Singh also warned against the use of illegal and destructive methods of fishing and has also suggested people to avoid washing clothes and utensils with soap in the river to protect the fishes.
